Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
What we do?
CAMHS is a specialist mental health service for consumers under 18 years old, or for those currently enrolled in secondary school. We offer short- to medium term assistance to infants, children, adolescents, and their families and carers who are experiencing emotional, behavioural, or social difficulties. We use both individually tailored and family focused interventions to improve the wellbeing of the consumer.
What to expect?
Our multidisciplinary team will collaborate with the consumer, their family, and their carers to match and provide the most appropriate care. We offer comprehensive assessment, advocacy, counselling, group programs, and other services. This includes:
- Individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy
- Referrals to other community health care providers
- Linkages to school‑based supports
- Home visits in some circumstances
- Arranging family‑focused support for consumers with moderate and severe mental health difficulties that are non‑life‑threatening (non‑acute)
- Pathways to specialist programs such as:
- Getting on Track (GOT It) – for children aged 5–8 years or enrolled in Kindergarten to Year 2
- Perinatal Infant Mental Health Service (PIMHS) – for women and families affected by severe and complex mental illness
Resources
- Planning Together for Safety and Support - A guide on how to engage a student in their safe return to school through ongoing collaboration with their family, the school, and external mental health supports.
- Planning Together for Safety and Support: how to video - A practical video to support schools in implementing the suggestions and approaches outlined in the above resource.
- School Refusal: Every School Day Counts - A resource developed to assist education staff and families in identifying and supporting children and adolescents who are avoiding school due to mental health difficulties.
For any mental distress, please call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. If life is at risk please call Triple Zero (000) to receive immediate help.